Santa Maria Asbestos Lawyer

Asbestos is a mineral with small, needle-like fibers that are so small, they are not typically visible to the human eye. If asbestos becomes damaged, those fine fibers are sent into the air and people can inhale them. Once inhaled, the fibers can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious injuries. Sometimes, inhaling asbestos fibers is even fatal. Asbestos causes many different diseases and often, the symptoms of these do not appear for 15 to 40 years after exposure. This can make it even more challenging for victims to pursue personal injury claims. Below, our Santa Maria asbestos lawyer outlines some of the most serious diseases caused by asbestos.

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer. The mesothelium is a thin lining of tissue protecting many organs. When asbestos is inhaled, it can lodge inside the mesothelium, causing mesothelioma. Many years ago, manufacturers of asbestos knew they were creating products with potentially life-threatening consequences for those who worked with it or had contact with it in other contexts.

In California, the courts have held that the emission of breathable asbestos fibers after years of latency is a design defect that falls below the generally accepted minimum safety standards expected by consumers. Even if asbestos is designed or manufactured perfectly, it is still extremely dangerous to sell it to consumers without warning them of the safety risks. If you suspect you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos, reach out to an asbestos attorney in Santa Maria today.

There are many occupations associated with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. These include:

• Shipyards
• Construction
• Oil refineries
• Oil fields
• Rubber plants
• Steel mills
• Roofing
• Auto manufacturing
• Tile work
• Flooring

Asbestos causes lung cancer when the fibers become trapped in the lungs. The symptoms of lung cancer include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, chronic coughing, loss of endurance, and swollen lymph nodes. Patients often do not show any signs of lung cancer until it has progressed to later stages. If lung cancer caused by asbestos is fatal, family members can file a wrongful death claim against a manufacturer or employer.

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become lodged in the air sacs of the lungs. This can result in irreversible scarring and, ultimately, asbestosis. Asbestosis is a chronic condition that typically requires lifelong treatment. Asbestosis may not cause symptoms for 10 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis is commonly misdiagnosed as pneumonia or bronchitis. Personal injury claims can be filed against employers or manufacturers when someone contracts asbestosis and possibly medical providers when the condition is misdiagnosed.

At Brod Law Firm, our Santa Maria asbestos attorney understands the devastation victims and families feel when this mineral causes serious illnesses. We are also dedicated to helping clients obtain the full compensation they deserve, and we can help you, too. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn how we can help you obtain the fair settlement you deserve.